Genotoxicity Biocompatibility Tests

Genotoxicity means toxic (damaging) to DNA. Genotoxic substances can bind directly to DNA or indirectly cause DNA damage by affecting the enzymes involved in DNA replication, causing mutations that may or may not cause cancer or birth defects (hereditary damage).

Genotoxins are agents that cause mutations by interacting with DNA, damage its structure and cause cancer. They act by changing the chromosomal structure through insertion, deletion, duplication, ring formation and similar ways. Mutations can lead to a wide variety of diseases, from cancer. It is very important to carry out genotoxicity studies to avoid the possible harm that this may cause. Genotoxicity tests are done to determine whether a drug or other substance has the potential to cause mutation and genotoxicity. In this way, possible hazards are determined while the drug is being developed. Identification of genotoxic agents helps to understand the mechanism of mutation and genotoxicity and thus paves the way for better prevention of such mutation and genotoxicity frequency.

The most commonly applied methods for detecting genotoxicity include bacterial Ames testing, DNA strand break measurements in cells (e.g., comet test, alkaline resolution and hydroxyapatite chromatography, alkaline elution), and cytogenetic tests (micronucleus and chromosomal aberration tests, including the use of fluorescence). These tests are both affordable and have high statistical power, are reproducible, and have the ability to detect a wide variety of genotoxic endpoints.

Genotoxic carcinogens are chemicals that show carcinogenicity through the induction of mutations. Due to its DNA interaction properties, there is no safe exposure threshold or dose. Genotoxic carcinogens can pose a cancer risk to humans even at very low doses. In contrast, non-genotoxic carcinogens that induce cancer through mechanisms other than mutations such as hormonal effects, cytotoxicity, cell proliferation or epigenetic changes have a safe threshold of exposure.

Genotoxicity tests are an important method to distinguish between two classes of carcinogens. However, some carcinogens have negative results in in vitro bacterial mutation tests, but positive results in in vivo transgenic rodent gene mutation assays.

Our organization also provides genotoxicity testing services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.